Makerspace Access Control System

This module is used to enable/disable equipment in our makerspace. It is based of the Particle Photon WIFI enabled processor. The module communicates to a server (Raspberry Pi running LAMP). Each user has an RFID badge. Permissions for equipment usage are stored on the server. When a badge is inserted in the reader, a check of the local database is done. If the badge is not found locally, the module retrieves an updated data base from the server before it decides whether or not to enable the equipment. PCBWAY has provided us with exceptional service, even supplying prototyping materials to support our education outreach. More on the Makerspace Access Control System (MACS) can be found on Youtube.

Step 1: Makerspace Access Control System

This device uses an RFID module sold on eBay by Electronics_Lee.  The processor is a Particle Photon, which is basically a STM ARM32 processor with WiFi capability.  The WiFi is used to communicate with a server running on a Raspberry Pi 2B.  The server is using NginX, PHP, and MySQL.  It is a database driven system.  A control panel written in PHP allows the adin to maintain the system through any web browser.

Each MACS module has a set of seven jumpers used to set its address.  There can be up to 128 modules in a system.  At The MakerBarn, near Houston Texas, we currently have 19 machines controlled by MACS.  Whe a user inserts his/her badge, the reader retrieves the unique number stored on the badge.  Each module maintains a local database of badges allowed to operate that module.  If the badge number is found in the local database, the onboard relay is activated and the machine is enabled.  If the number is not found in the local database, the database is refreashed from the server and another attempt to find the number is done.  

The main body of the module is machined from 1/2" White Corian on our CNC Router.  The front coverplate is cut from Acrylic on our laser cutter/engravers.  The module is designed to fit in a single-gand non-metalic electrical enclosure.  Or, it can be surface mounted on the equipment.

For more information about the system check out Youtube.  There are two videos that descuss the hardware and software in detail.  Search for Makerspace Access Control System or The MakerBarn.